A busy first day in Vegas…

It’s been a rather busy first day here at the Winter Meetings. The day started with the news that unfortunately, no Dodgers made it into the Hall of Fame through the Veteran’s ballot (which means no Hodges, Wills, Torre, etc.)

We began the morning in meetings with all of the league’s PR people and learned about the MLB Network (which launches Jan. 1), among a number of other topics. I took a break to bring Ned Colletti down to the news conference where Greg Maddux announced his retirement. Ned has known Greg since he was a rookie and really wanted to be there to congratulate him, which he was able to do, as was I. He is a classy man who has had one heck of a career and we are all very fortunate that we got to witness him pitch (and in a Dodger uniform, no less).

I headed back to meetings for the better part of the day, while Ned wound up chatting with media at the news conference and all of the CC stuff came out early in the day.

We had a cocktail reception where it was announced that our good friend from the White Sox, Scott Reifert, won the Fishel Award for Public Relations Excellence, a very deserving award. Our congrats go out to him on what has been a very accomplished career thus far.

We then took our media upstairs for their final news briefing of the day with Ned, so the latest rounds of stories should be online soon. I’m not even going to try to keep up with all the stories being filed – it’s simply impossible around here. But, hopefully we’ll be able to lock down some things here in the coming days.

There’s plenty more that I don’t really have time to get into, unfortunately, as we’re taking a group of the media out for a dinner here at the hotel.

Keep checking back each day – I hope to at least post something every evening from Vegas.

No Comments

Thank you Josh for the updates. You are doing a great job, and thanks again for putting up with us.

nsblues – keep drinking those hot toddies if nothing else because they taste good. Just cold sick I hope? Was the weather any better today for you up there? Still no sun here, but the wind picked up a little so maybe tomorrow. The sun will come out tomorrow 🙂

Josh, it’s sad that no Dodgers got in the HOF ballot today. From what the interviews said with one of the voters, this committee isn’t around to elect players, but to consider the careers of those who aren’t in, and whether or not they deserve to be in.

If Blake is signed, he is the Dodgers ideal no.2 hitter. It was one of Torre’s continuous mistake, not as harsh as playing Martin too much and playing Pierre over Ethier [shaking head…head hurting], but it negatively affected the team. Blake is patient, fights in each at-bat, and isn’t afraid to go deep in the count. We need a third basemen because DeWitt ain’t the answer, if not Blake, then who?

ALSO, HOW IS GIL HODGES NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME. Keith Olberman just proclaimed the Hall of Fame voters as one of the worse people in the world for not voting Hodges in, and also mentioned all of his accomplishments.

Two of them:
-most homeruns by a right-handed hitter when he retired.
-manager of the World Series champion “Mazing” Mets.

From the Dodgers Main Page…
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LAS VEGAS — While closing in on re-signing third baseman Casey Blake, the Dodgers further solidified their infield depth Monday night by agreeing to terms with utilityman Mark Loretta on a one-year contract, according to agent Bob Garber. Loretta must pass a physical exam for the deal to be official.

Loretta, 37, hit .280 in 261 at-bats for the Astros last season but batted .330 against left-handers. He played 46 games at second base, 17 at third base, five at shortstop and two at first base. He presumably would take the place of Nomar Garciaparra, who appeared at three infield positions but is considering retirement because of health issues.

Loretta is a 13-year veteran and two-time All-Star. He earned $2.75 million last year.

I’ve heard for awhile that CC wants to play on the west coast and wants to play for a NL team and wants to be further away from Vallejo than San Francisco. That leaves 2 teams.
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Dodgers & Padres.
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I’ve never heard any rumblings from him regarding the Padres but numerous ones from the Dodgers.
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He has been lolligaggin with NY & again is said to want to talk with the Dodgers.
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All this seems to me is saying he is very interested in being in LA. If he is weighing the offer from the Brewers as well then we should offer him something a little less than NY (In either years or $$$’s) and see where the chips fall.
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No to trading Kemp & Kersh/Bills. That would be soooooo stupid to do. I don’t think Nedco could be that dumb.
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The Nat’s are interested in Tavares from Colorado. They want a speedy CF to bat lead off.
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HELLO NED!!!! MAKE THAT CALL TO WASHINGTON!!!!!!!!!!!

Nelly–A few (I don’t remember who) have joked about about him picking him up as a PVL’er but I’ve heard nothing else before this.
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I’m okay with it. Not a bad pick up for a role player off the bench. But not what I want as the Manny or I mean main attraction!

More notes from the MLB Blog at the Winter Meetings:
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The Dodgers might non-tender closer Takashi Saito this week because of uncertainty over the condition of his right elbow, which sidelined him for two months this season and kept him off the roster for the NL Championship Series.

“It’ll be a tough call,” said general manager Ned Colletti. “The last time he needed to pitch, he couldn’t pitch. Is he healthy since then? We don’t know. It’s a serious situation.”

Saito suffered a partially torn elbow ligament that ordinarily would require Tommy John elbow reconstruction and a year recovery. Instead, he chose a stem-cell injection and attempted to rehabilitate the arm that saved 63 games the previous two seasons.

He returned the final two weeks of the regular season and made six appearances with a 4.76 ERA, then was shaky in the NL Division Series against the Cubs. —

I think CC wants to play for the Dodgers because of his hitting capabilities. He is a pitching that can also hit a homerun – why not? However, this is a hard one because I see the benefits of having Manny too. I think I would be happy with one or the other, hoping it’s a contract that’s liveable.

More notes from the MLB Blog at the Winter Meetings:
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The Dodgers might non-tender closer Takashi Saito this week because of uncertainty over the condition of his right elbow, which sidelined him for two months this season and kept him off the roster for the NL Championship Series.

“It’ll be a tough call,” said general manager Ned Colletti. “The last time he needed to pitch, he couldn’t pitch. Is he healthy since then? We don’t know. It’s a serious situation.”

Saito suffered a partially torn elbow ligament that ordinarily would require Tommy John elbow reconstruction and a year recovery. Instead, he chose a stem-cell injection and attempted to rehabilitate the arm that saved 63 games the previous two seasons.

He returned the final two weeks of the regular season and made six appearances with a 4.76 ERA, then was shaky in the NL Division Series against the Cubs. —

Sorry for the 2bl post. It didn’t take it & then I guess it did!!
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One last one from the MLB Blog:
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The Dodgers, generally resistent to offer long-term contracts under current management, might make an exception to sign free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia.

“We’ve tried to stay short, three or less, but in special circumstances it might be more depending on the age, the health history, like that,” said general manager Ned Colletti. “He would be worth a consideration.”

The Dodgers have not had or scheduled a negotiating session with Sabathia’s agent, Greg Genske, although the pitcher and Colletti had a chance meeting Sunday night at the Bellagio Casino. Colletti said the club has been told that Sabathia wants to play in California and for the Dodgers.

Sabathia reportedly has a six-year, $140 million offer from the Yankees and a five-year, $100 million offer from Milwaukee, but appears to be in no hurry to take either

I wanted Manny over CC, but I really do think it might be doable to get both.
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I could be drinking Joy Juice or something but hearing that now BorASS wants to meet with Ned tomorrow and CC is still in the mix they could get both.
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Don’t they both want to win? Sunshine, beaches, Disneyland?!!! What more could you want?!

Tough call Nelly if you have to pick.
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Obviously Manny solidifies this team offensively. But CC is the shut down/Ace pitcher pitcher we need.
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They are the same on both sides of the bat so to speak.
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I think Manny I would rather have if it’s going to be a contract that is 2 years vs a contract to CC for 6 years.
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I say Manny for 2 years for about 30 mill a year with a 3rd year option. Tell him then when the economy is better and your still at/under 40 you can get that contract for even more wages into your 40’s in a AL city and be the DH.
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Then I go to CC and tell him well go 5 years for 125 million.
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This way they both feel like they are being taken care of for both $$ and years. CC is making less per year but more in the Blue uniforms.
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Then you can have Hu or whoever else play SS and not have to sign a Furcal or trade for a Wilson.

What is happening D4? I hope all is well! Same to you Nelly!! I hope you saw some sun today. We got a little here but boy has it been cold.
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Wifey & I went & got our tree last night and she was in a dress as we took pictures for our Christmas Cards. She was really cold. I felt bad dragging her in the chill but it made her decision making quicker!!!

I guess this is the backup plan in case Furcal won’t resign but the good thing about this signing is Loretta is not injury prone like Nomar and Loretta can played anywhere in the infield but don’t like it because Loretta is 37 years old.

Good Morning TRU.
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Yes Sign CC & Manny and our team is gettting strong. I have to do research on Loretta.
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It sucks that Yankees want our KEMP. Hopefully NED keeps his head straight and not trade him. KEMP IS A KEEPER!

Loretta – good sign Ned. (Did I just say that?)
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• More durable than Nomar
• Can play 3 positions for an extended period if needed
• Good bat off the bench
• Cheap 1-year contract

Blake… I’m so-so on this one. Two years OK. 3 years – PVL? Still he’s an upgrade over what we started the season with last year. I’d have rather they went after Hudson and move DeWitt back to third, but I’m not going to pitch a fit about it.

Interesting that Boras wants a meeting with Ned. Evidently there’s not the interest in Manny that he thought would be there. Stay on course Ned. 2 years with a team option for a third.

He Frank, pony up the money for CC. 5 years $115 mil with and option for a 6th at $25 would match NY’s bid, thus making the players union happy, CC happy, and we YOUR FANS happy.

Ferk’s becomming marginalized. If you can sign him to a cheap 2 years with loads of incentives, then take a chance. Otherwise, take a chance on Hu or DeJesus at short. Remember, it was discovered after he was sent down to Vegas that Hu had an eye problem.

Good morning Dodgersrule and Enchanted. I think we are headed in the right direction and am beginning to feel optimistic. If CC came up to Ned and told him he wants to be a Dodger………then I believe Frank will open his checkbook. Remember Frank and Ned……..if you put quality players on the field, the fans will come! No matter what our finances may be, we will always find a way to see the Dodgers play.

Also, Sammytime was great while it lasted, but I have no problems with non-tendering Saito. Ned plucked a gold nugget from a coal mine on that one, but it was obvious that his elbow isn’t allowing him to pitch the way he should. 39 and ligament damage is a good one to walk away from.

Its time for Brox to step up and be the closer he’s been being groomed for, and use Kuo and Wade as his set-up men. We could do worse than Wade/Kuo/Brox in the 7-8-9th.

Good Morning, enchanted ~ I am glad you liked the Loretta deal. I didn’t know much about him, and when the news broke last night, I wasn’t sure what to think. I did have to make sure it was you though when I saw the “good job Ned” – LOL!!!!

i love the loretta signing. he’ll be doing what nomar did last year, minus the bloated salary, calf strains, and catchy music. if frank doesn’t want to put his big boy pants on and sign anybody of any value, he’s gonna get a 3rd degree indian burn from j-murray. the thought of manny or CC in a dodger uniform makes me drool.

hey all.. i was trying to get on last night to discuss the loretta move.. but my internet wasn’t functioning, and my phone won’t let me log on to this board..

anyway, i like the loretta signing.. as long as he doesn’t start over dewitt. as a utility, he’s definitely an upgrade over nomar, and it’s a cost effective, one year deal.. so i say kudos to that. also, he’s a good guy, and he’s a good vet.. and i feel he’ll be great for the clubhouse.. i’ve met him a few times.. he’s been out to play in a golf tournament for our baseball team the last couple years, and he really is a stand up person..

i knew CC wanted to play here, because if it was about money, he would have taken the NY deal. this is a guy we MUST go after. especially if he cares enough to be here that he would approach our GM himself.. he has the heart of a champion.. he was the one who kept milwaukee in the pennant race and offered to keep pitching every 3 days.. i know people are weary of long term deals for free agent pitchers.. but remember.. he’s younger.. in his prime.. and he doesn’t have the injury history of most.. ie. schmidt.

i say we sign CC first. we have to make offers to those who are actually willing to listen. i know most haven’t given up hope on re-signing manny. but clearly, he doesn’t have the desire to play here as CC does. i’d much rather have a clubhouse full of people who are proud to wear dodger blue and care about being here.. if after the CC signing, others are still in reach. then by all means..

Good morning ITD boys and girls!
It is a GREAT morning! I love the Loretta signing. I’m with everyone here that Loretta will be a good guy to have in our clubhouse. I love Nomar, when he was playing healthy, but as we all know, he wasn’t healthy. I see Loretta as a definite upgrade over Nomar, too. Very economical, signing him to a one year deal. I still wouldn’t mind it if we resigned Casey Blake. It’s looking very good that we will get him back. I know, I know. He’s not the most exciting player in the world, but he seems to be a good guy and great to have in the clubhouse. Plus, he did help us late last year and I can see him helping us again.

I would still LOVE to have CC signed! EnchantedGM – I love that 5 years $115 mil with and option for a 6th at $25 that you mentioned before! Yes, that would match NY’s bid, and CC would be crazy NOT to take it! If we have CC at the front of our rotation, that would do WONDERS, not only to the rest of the pitching staff but for the team! This guy is a winner!

It does seem that the market is not jumping at the free agents, the way they and their agents (especially Borass) thought they would be! That’s great; knock them down a few notches. I’ve gotta say, Borass has always been the focus of my ire towards agents, and he still is. But the one agent that makes me scratch my head is Raffy’s agent, Kinzer. I mean, Raffy just came off a 3 year, $39 mil contract with the Dodgers. Of those 3 years, Raffy was healthy for only 1. And Kinzer thinks that after back surgery where Raffy was on the DL for 5 months of 2008, that he’s now worth 4 years! Oh, come one, give me a break!

I know I’ve been one of Ned’s critics, but, perhaps, he is learning. He is more patient than I ever thought he would be. And there is more to come. Who knows, maybe we could sign both CC and Manny! Maybe a pipe dream, but a girl can dream, can’t she! Ned – I’m hoping that you keep on learning and not get into panic mode and sign more worthless PVLs just to fill the roster. Just keep you’re wits about you, and keep staying the course…

Hey Sara! Yeah, I heard the reports that the Blue Jays are interested in signing Raffy. But I really think that Raffy is going to run into the same problems as he did with the A’s. He MAY get a 4 year deal, but the $$$ won’t be there. I don’t see the Blue Jays offering anything more than the $35 – $40 mil that the A’s offered and that Raffy turned down. I still think it’s a good possibility that Raffy will resign with the Dodgers for 2 years. He probably will be able to get more/year from us – even if it is only for 2 years.

raffy’s agent isn’t stupid. he’s just trying to protect his client. don’t think that he and his agent forgot that he has been injured.. they know that too, which is why they’re trying to get a long term deal, comfortable deal to protect themselves. once they see it’s not there.. they’ll settle for a lesser deal. hopefully one here. an infield of casey blake, furcal, dewitt, and loney would be fantastic.

Yeah Sara, I get the gist! And you’re right! An infield of Blake, Raffy, DeWitt, and Loney would be fantastic! I know, Kinzer is just protecting his client. I just couldn’t believe the tone of, “Oh, yeah, Raffy had back surgery last year and missed 5 months of the year, but he IS worth a 4 year contract.” I know it’s what agents do – it just irks me!

And I can’t wait for the press release to say that we’ve OFFICIALLY signed Casey Blake and Mark Loretta! Thx for the link!

The Dodgers have been burned so often by Colletti’s multiyear free-agent signings — injuries to Jason Schmidt, Rafael Furcal, Nomar Garciaparra and Bill Mueller, poor performances by Andruw Jones and Brett Tomko and the superfluousness of Juan Pierre — that McCourt understandably is wary of the kind of proposal Sabathia would take seriously.

Yet Colletti said a “special circumstance” could compel the Dodgers to extend an offer beyond their general limit of three years.

He said he has discussed the possibility of bidding five years — or longer — with McCourt, but with no authorization to actually do so.

I just can’t believe that we can’t out-bid the friggin’ BREWERS for a talent like Sabathia. I know all about our history with free agents, but I figure we’re due for a good one. And he’s a good one. Good player, good citizen. Just the kind of player I like.

Sabathia wants to be a Dodger. If that really means something to McCourt, then he should go get him. Sabathia devotes himself to reviving youth baseball in urban areas, so the Dodgers couldn’t beat this deal: Sign him for $130 million, and he’ll build 50 youth fields by himself.

I gotta believe that this is where he wants to be.
1 – He’s building a house in SoCal, not NoCal, not NY.
2 – He wants to hit.
3 – SD is not an option.
4 – Everything I’ve read about him says that he won’t necessarily follow the money like Gagne or Beltre.

I gotta go back and give my boss some bang for his buck. I just want to say that I’m looking forward to seeing Loretta with us for two reasons. One, he always seemed to be a thorn in our side when he was a Padre and two, there’s a line in “Murder By Death”, uttered by Sir Alec Guiness: “I want you all to call me Loretta”. I’m going to be laughing at that all year when I see him come to the plate.

eric, you’re right.. he did used to be a thorn in our side. i’ve always considered him a very adequate utility player. i never thought of him as a wasted roster spot. hopefully he will continue to produce in a dodger uniform too.

I have been reading, but I haven’t had much to add since you all are doing such a fabulous job of saying what I am thinking. It must be the Dodger fan in us I guess. I do have to comment on the “Murder by Death” comment made by dodgereric/Ward Dear. I love that movie!!! So hilarious and so fun to watch still. Thanks for the visual – LOL!!!!

It seems that Manny wants to be in L.A., and L.A. wants Manny, but I hear Boras in the Back saying “SHOW ME THE MONEY!”
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Hello my fellows ITD’rs. All these meetings in Vegas are getting exciting. I just hope that what happens in Vegas DOESN’T stay in Vegas….well all have a nice and wonderful day. I will be checking in through out the day, to catch the latest of the Vegas Meetings and to see what’s up in ITD Land!
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ROSE

Unless someone out there has a better offer for Manny, there’s no reason for Ned to budge on his original offer. The fact that Ned had said that they’re the ones that needed to contact him I find encouraging – maybe Ned’s finding his cajones.

Also, if the Nats are looking for a speedy OFer, Ned ought to get their GM in the hotel lounge, get ’em good and hammered, then give them JP for “future considerations” if they’ll eat half his contract, and at least a couple of middling prospects if we eat 2/3 of it.

I am kinda wavering on Brian Fuentes. I REALLY like him and I would not mind seeing him in a Dodger uniform (much better than a Rox uniform). And with the Dodgers probably not resigning Saito, Brian would fit. But the more I think of it, the more I think that we need to give Broxton a legitimate shot to be the closer for the entire year, not just “thrown” into the closer’s role like he was last year. But does that mean a veteran presence in the BP in case Broxton has another meltdown? Could Hoffman also fill the bill of that?

Tru – As much as I would love to dump Andruw, I really don’t think that’s gonna happen. I think the Dodgers will use him as they will in 2009 and then be done with him. I honestly think that JP is a more likely trade bait, between those two.

“If Manny Ramirez shows up at spring training in Glendale, Ariz., we’ll find him a hat and find him a jersey,” Colletti said. “But I can’t wait until that day to pursue a third baseman, a shortstop, a starting pitcher.

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One down, three to go. If they want to win the way the McCourt says he does . The roster is already filled with young talented options it’s time to give them the support they need. We need a legit leadoff hitter, a 3 hole hitter, a 1/2 starter, maybe another starter and a back of the bullpen arm (not a closer).

I like the deals so far if we get the sum of the parts to total up…But without the main course these side dishes are expensive.

Jungar – I just have a feeling that we ARE going to land CC. Don’t know what the terms will be, but I just have that feeling. All outward indications appear to point in that direction. But Ned & Frank have to be smart about the $$$.

I think Brox can handle the job now that he’s had a taste of it. He didn’t blow many save opportunities in the closer roll. We have to remember too that he’s only 24 and there’s a learning curve there as well. I’m sure we’d see a difference in him from the beginning of the year to Aug-Sept.

Yeah Enchanted, I think Broxton can handle the closer’s role in 2009. I really think a lot of his problems last year stemmed from the fact that he was “thrown” into the closer’s role. If he has good tutoring in ST, I think he’ll be fine…

Tru – If the Dodgers go ahead and sign CC and/or Manny, I think we will do very well in the West next year! If the rest of our young guns solidify themselves and aren’t “just” kids that need more seasoning, there is NO REASON for us not only to win the West but to, perhaps, win the WS!

Lowe has said the main requirement for his signing is a team committed to winning. Colletti has said recently that he believed Lowe did not want to return to the Dodgers and nothing came out of the Monday night meeting with Boras to indicate otherwise.

Lowe, who is marrying former sportscaster Carolyn Hughes this weekend in Michigan, last week said he isn’t convinced the Dodgers will make the moves needed to be a postseason force year after year, even though he said his agent has tried to convince him that Los Angeles might be the best place for him to pitch.

“I told Scott, if they brought back the same team as last year, I’d be the first guy to sign up,” Lowe said last week. “All I told him is, I want to win and be on the team with the best chance of winning. Would I go back to the Dodgers? Absolutely, if they were that team. But look what’s happened: They never made me an offer.”

Lowe, who signed a four-year, $36 million deal with the Dodgers when Paul DePodesta was general manager, also cited the stagnant negotiations with Manny Ramirez and comments from ownership about financial uncertainty as indications the club won’t spend like a large-market franchise.

“Granted, the economy now is bad, but it wasn’t bad until the end of the year and they had huge revenues this year,” he said. “They can’t cry that they don’t have money.”

Enchanted I agree with you on Loretta, he is a good sign for the money and the term. The guy can hit ann=d play multiple positions and he is healthy compared to Nomar….Blake is a gamble, 3 years…ouch…he has history of back issues with the Indians…at least he would be easier to eat 5-6 mil than 18 or so…

I am hoping that these low budget signings opens us up for Manram or CC or both….

Lowe is being short sighted in his comments and I understand if I were in his position…This economy is going to hit every facet of society and we have not even hit bottom yet…so yes they may have money now, but if they do not prepare for the next 12-24 mos they could get hit really hard…I cannot believe I am making excuses for the Dodgers, but the reality is we are in an economic Tsunami….

hey NSB. long time no talk. Hope your Holiday went well in SoCal. Yea for family time.
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Isn’t today more interesting than yesterday. It’s like anticipating Christmas presents. We know what we want and what we asked for, but we have no idea what we will end up with!

Hi Amy, yeah, it’s been a while. Holiday went good, had Barstow Del Taco the first night, heheheh.

The other night, they aired the first Episode when Edwards came on the show. He carried a giant moonshine jug where he kept his water, and the post office lady thought he was a drunk. funny stuff, heheh.

As far as these winter meetings go, anything that involves us keeping the young guns is not only satisfactory, but mandatory. Of course, on the flipside, if you REALLY want Matt Kemp, Amy, get some guy over 40 and find Ned quick 🙂 j/k

Hi Nelly, feeling a little better, but it was foggy this morning and black ice warnings up and down the 70 and 99 up here, so I got (wisely) vetoed by my girlfriend and her mom on staying home today, seeing as I couldn’t sleep all night. they thought with my congestion and sneezing fits, it would be dangerous for me to be on the road that long. Of course, today was review for finals, so… yeah.

And to make it a little worse, the sun finally came out about 30 minutes after our decision, but I had already taken the knockout medicine.

But on the plus side, I’m alive 🙂 . in those conditions, I might’ve messed up my chances to take the finals by getting into an accident, and don’t want that.

NSB- superstar friend. I am glad you had some Del Taco. I had some myself last week. It’s a good craving to fulfill 🙂
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I watched an episode yesterday that was very disturbing. Mr. Edward’s older adopted son, John Jr., was murdered by a wealthy construction owner in Chicago because John was reporting for the newspaper and was getting too close to the truth. They covered it up as an accident and Charles and Edwards had to uncover the truth. It was sad :(. But the ones on t.v right now have Nancy in them. She is an awful child!!
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Yeah, Matt sooooo cannot go. He is a Dodger for life. We need him here with us. He is a gold mine that hasn’t been fully tapped into. The Dodgers own the claim on Mr. Kemp.
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Amy: I forgot Edwards had a son named John Jr., heh (which is my name). I was a newspaper editor in college, so I’ll be sure to stay away from Chicago construction companies, heh. Sounds like a sad episode for sure. And I don’t think Matt is going anywhere. Especially for Melky Cabrera (?!!), what Ken Rosenthal was tripping on is beyond me.

Sara: Gas is WAY down, not just in the Manny sense, but in the FA sense, heheh. Good to see falling prices, we might have a chance to strenghten our roster while keeping the core intact yet. Ned’s done decent so far.

NSB- do you remember when John Jr. first went to College? Mary and Charles went to surprise him and then they found out that he had been cheating on Mary the entire time? I lost respect for John after that…because he was still engaged to Mary at the time. boo to that!
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Sara- I hope we can pull Furcal back to our side. I hope he can agree to what we can offer him. We need a strong s.s. back on our team!!

nsblues – sorry – I had to get my students out the door and on their way home. I am glad you are feeling a little better, and I am also glad you were convinced to stay home – black ice is bad stuff. We had a lot of that when I lived in Tennessee.

Hello Amy – all is well up here. How is your mom’s school year going, any better?

Amy: I’d forgotten that! so I guess John Jr. had what was comming to him, heheheh. It must’ve taken everything for Charles not to do him in himself (if his friendship with Edwards wasn’t deterrent enough, I’m sure that fear of a drunken, bear-killing Edwards gunning for him would do it). That’s messed up.

Doing some quick shopping, so I should be back soon. If I don’t see you again, have a good day, it was nice talking with you again 🙂

Nelly, I’m glad I was convinced to stay home too. If I think otherwise, there’s always the hot toddies to cheer me up. Tea, honey and a little bit of whisky (or rum, like I improvised last night). good stuff 🙂

I saw we forget about Manny, he would be a nice addition dont get my wrong but next season matt holliday is available… holliday, kemp, and Ethier would be just about the best outfeild in baseball. but I think we should get CC

To me, this is bewildering. I’ve always liked the name “The Blue Crew Fan Club”, it connects kids to the Dodgers, but gives them their own unique identity. Jr. Dodgers doesn’t give them a unique identity.

If you’re tired of the San Francisco Giants infiltrating the Dodgers more and more every year, I’m sure you’ll be equally disgusted with this move. But hey, it’s a free country, so I’m not trying to strong arm anyone.

Silly to talk about a kids club during Winter Meetings, I know. But as a Blue Crew alumni, I’m disgusted the name is effectually dissolved to be replaced with yet another SF-inspired addition.

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